No civilian casualties as Nigeria, US bomb terrorist hotspots, says Sokoto govt
The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint airstrike carried out by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, with no civilian casualties recorded.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa.
According to the statement, the operation, conducted on Wednesday, was part of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist and bandit networks operating within Sokoto State and along Nigeria’s north-western borders.
It said the impact of the airstrike could not be immediately determined, as assessment reports from the joint operations were still being awaited.
The government also addressed concerns over suspicious objects discovered near Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area, noting that investigations were ongoing and analyses by Nigeria–US military authorities had yet to be concluded.
Bawa, however, stressed that no civilian casualties were recorded in both Tangaza and Jabo communities.
Reaffirming its support for international security cooperation, the state government described the Nigeria–US collaboration as crucial in tackling terrorism and cross-border crimes, while assuring residents of continued protection of lives and property.
The government urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, and support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the state.
On behalf of my fellow Nigerians, I hereby express a strong vote of confidence in the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, the United States Armed Forces, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a job well done.
The decisive action taken against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists who gathered to plan coordinated attacks during the Christmas season has brought relief and reassurance to millions of Nigerians. This successful operation demonstrates the importance of strong international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and timely military intervention in confronting terrorism.
Nigerians can now sleep with both eyes closed, knowing that those who sought to spread fear, bloodshed, and religious hatred have been neutralized. The terrorists gathered recklessly, and justice caught up with them. They deserve no sympathy, only firm and decisive action.
We commend the professionalism, precision, and resolve of the United States military, working in conjunction with Nigerian security authorities. Such collaboration should be strengthened and sustained.
Suggestions for eradicating terrorism in Nigeria:
Continuous intelligence sharing between Nigeria and international allies.
Sustained military pressure on terrorist camps and supply routes.
Stronger border security to prevent the movement of fighters from neighboring countries.
Cutting off terrorist financing and logistics networks.
Addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and radicalization through education and community engagement.
Supporting local vigilante and intelligence networks under proper regulation.
Terrorism has no place in Nigeria. Any group plotting against the peace, unity, and progress of our nation must be identified early and neutralized decisively.
Once again, we commend all parties involved and welcome more decisive actions that will permanently end terrorism and ensure lasting peace and development in Nigeria.
Sunday Olanrewaju Banjo [email protected] 0810-960-2040